Woman sentenced for killing stepson who was locked in room, forced to eat his own vomit

WEBER COUNTY, Utah (TCN) -- A 51-year-old woman will spend at least the next 20 years in prison for abusing her 12-year-old stepson by locking him in a room without food or water, ultimately leading to his death.

KSL-TV reports a judge sentenced Nichole Scott after she pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder, second-degree aggravated child abuse, second-degree obstruction of justice, third-degree child endangerment, and possession or use of a controlled substance in connection with the death of Gavin Peterson. She also reportedly received a sentence for aggravated child abuse relating to incidents involving Peterson's sister.

Scott's sentencing comes after Peterson's father, Shane Peterson, entered a guilty plea for first-degree child abuse homicide, three counts of aggravated child abuse, and third-degree endangerment of a child. Shane Peterson was sentenced to eight years to life in prison. His other son, Tyler Peterson, will face sentencing at a later date for his plea guilty with a mental condition for first-degree child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse, and second-degree obstruction of justice.

On July 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., Weber County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a home for a medical incident and began CPR on Gavin Peterson until EMS arrived. Medics transported him to a hospital, where he died. Investigators determined Gavin Peterson died from child abuse, so they arrested Shane Peterson, Tyler Peterson, and Scott on multiple charges.

His cause of death was listed as sepsis with contributing factors due to pneumonia, dehydration, and infections.

According to an affidavit cited by KSL.com, deputies found Gavin Peterson on the bathroom floor with skin that was "cold to the touch." Scott and Shane Peterson reportedly said the boy had been sick for several days, but they did not take him to a doctor. At the hospital, doctors concluded that Gavin Peterson was so malnourished and emaciated, his internal organs shut down.

Screenshots found on Scott's phone reportedly showed Gavin Peterson "only wearing a heavily saturated diaper. The child can be seen curling up on the carpetless floor of the room, which lacked bedding or blankets. Several screenshots also showed sores on the child's back."

They kept security cameras in his room and texted each other about abusing him. Other messages reportedly discussed how they only provided Gavin Peterson with 1/3 cup water, one piece of bread with mustard, or nothing at all. He even reportedly had to eat his own feces and vomit.

KUTV-TV reports teachers and other staff members at Gavin Peterson's school reported concerns to the Division of Child and Family Services about his condition. They would sneak him food, but then he started showing up with a clear backpack. Gavin Peterson was ultimately taken out of classes and homeschooled.

KSL.com reports Judge Camille Neider scolded Scott at her sentencing on May 12, saying, "I don't know that you will get out, and frankly, I hope that you don't get out. I think it's entirely fair for you, at this point, to serve the rest of your life in prison."

Neider said Scott was the "architect of Gavin's destruction," adding, "You did everything you could to strip Gavin of his humanity, of his ability to receive and accept validation and love."

Scott apologized to the judge and Gavin Peterson's family and said he "deserved better."

An attorney for Gavin Peterson shared at the sentencing, "Gavin's life mattered. She didn't just fail him. She hated him. It wasn't one bad decision. It was a campaign of abuse that lasted for years. It ended with a 12-year-old boy alone, starving, locked in a room, dying."

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